Set in light-green concrete bungalows on either side of a walkway with plenty of palms, the clean and spacious rooms are designed with firm beds on lofts and red-cushion day beds set in living areas a few steps below. Stone walls and log railings stand between the two areas, with TVs, fridges, small safes and kettles thrown into the lower sections. Doors to large green-tile bathrooms with hot-water showers are situated near the beds, so no stumbling down steps in the wee hours.

Unusually designed rooms. Photo: David Luekens

Air-con units are mounted a few feet above the beds, which is good considering that it’s a lot of space to keep cool. These rooms are solid for the price, though some people will need to brace for the purple walls and orange trim or another ferocious blend of colours. All rooms come with free WiFi and small terraces with a couple of chairs reached through glass doors.

No rooms afford sea views thanks to a beachfront restaurant set up beside a small but unexpected swimming pool. We like the location towards the northern end of Chaweng, where it’s quieter and less crazy after dark, but still with plenty of restaurants around. Staff welcomed us with a smile and showed us two rooms without hesitation, offering 200 baht off the low-season rate listed below.

While we liked the Moroccan-style rooms at nearby Pandora Hotel a bit better, they’re more expensive and you don’t get the beach access or swimming pool. Pandora does however offer a large Jacuzzi and sauna, and is another solid option. For a basic but comfortable room for less cash, the nearby Lotus Friendly Hotel is another reasonable choice. Also in North Chaweng, O.P. Bungalow is a slightly pricier option without the pool.

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